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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
11 October 2011
The
second generation of BMW’s smallest passenger car, the 1 Series,
has been released in Australia. Predictably enough it’s larger
than before, it’s also more powerful, more fuel efficient and
better equipped. Yet, thanks largely to the increased value of the
Australian dollar, it is also cheaper.
Equally predictably the 1 Series continues to use
rear-wheel-drive, the only car in its class to do so. BMW
maintains that the sporting handling and balance for which it is
renowned could not be obtained with a front-drive layout.
The increase in dimensions addresses one of the few criticisms of
the previous 1 Series, its limited rear seat room and boot size.
While there is marginally more rear legroom (21 mm) it’s still
not a comfortable place to travel any distance. The height of the
1 Series is unchanged, and didn’t need to change because there
already was good headroom in all seats. Boot size has been
increased by 10 per cent to 360 litres.
Exterior
changes to the new 1 Series are minor. It remains fairly
conservative in appearance and is likely to continue to draw
contrasting opinions.
As was the case with the original 1 Series – which has sold in
excess of one-million units worldwide since its release in 2004
– the second generation range has begun with a trickle of model
choices but, if history is repeated, it will turn into a flood
over the next year or so. First up we’re getting only what are
likely to be the volume-selling models: five-door hatches with the
choice of two 1.6-litre petrol and one 2.0-litre diesel engines,
all turbocharged. Larger engines, three-door hatches, coupes and
convertibles will follow.
The all-new turbo-petrol engine comes in two levels of tune, one
in the 116i generating 100 kW of power and 220 Nm of torque; the
other, in the 118i, producing 125 kW and 250 Nm.
The
118d uses an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel from
the first generation 1 Series. The new model produces 105 kW and
320Nm (up 20Nm), leading to combined cycle consumption of 4.5
litres/100km (both transmissions) and a 0-100km/h sprint time of
8.9 seconds.
All three variants come with six-speed manual transmission, the
two petrol models get a new ZF eight-speed automatic while the
diesel remains with six-speeds.
The two great attractions of BMW vehicles are their status and the
driving experience. The new 1 Series continues in both and remains
one of the most enjoyable small cars that we’ve driven. We were
able to test the cars on a route out of the Melbourne CBD into the
Yarra Valley with the second half of the drive on hilly, winding
terrain much still bearing the scars of the tragic bushfires that
decimated the region.
All of the aspects of the previous 1 Series that we loved so much
are still there, although we do look forward to the arrival of the
high-performance models down the track to heighten the enjoyment.
The
ride remains quite firm at times, something that may not appeal to
the newcomers BMW is hoping to attract to its brand through its
increased price competitiveness. But it’s all part of the
package and we’d be surprised if they aren’t quickly converted
won over by the excellent balance, responsive steering and
cornering grip the little Bimmer provides.
Unfortunately no manual models were available on our test cars,
however the light and fast paddle shifts mounted to the steering
wheel allowed us to change gears when we wished.
In an interesting move, BMW has introduced a new option to the 1
Series that will allow owners to personalise their cars. Called
BMW Lines it takes two different directions.
One, called the Urban Line, adds a number of bold contrasting
exterior features in gloss white including wheels, grille, side
intake surrounds, door sills and bumper trim. The theme continues
into the interior with leather sports steering wheel, adjustable
armrests and the choice of white or black acrylic glass interior
trim.
It’s hard to see the Urban Line appealing to the traditional BMW
buyer, but given the price reductions the new 1 Series is going to
move within the budget of a different type of buyer … so who
knows?
Much more likely to succeed is the Sport Line which partially
replaces the previous M Sport package but at a significantly lower
price. Sport Line exterior features include black gloss grille
bars, central air intake bar, side intake surrounds and exhaust
pipe trim. Inside are black trim with matt coral accent strips,
sports seats, leather sports steering wheel with red stitching,
adjustable armrests, switchable ambient lighting.
Each of the two Lines packages is priced at $1600. The package
will also be offered in the about to be released new 3 Series and
will gradually be added to other models in the BMW range.
Since its launch nearly seven years ago the BMW 1 Series has been
the yardstick vehicle in the small car market. It combines
prestige with driving pleasure and with the enhancements and price
cuts in the second generation nothing has changed that opinion.
New BMW 1 Series goes on sale on 22 October.
The complete BMW 1 Series range, with prices (excluding on-road
costs) is:
116i 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door hatch: $36,900 (six-speed
manual), $39,593 (eight-speed automatic)
118i 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door hatch: $42,800 (six-speed
manual), $45,493 (eight-speed automatic)
118d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch: $43,500 (six-speed
manual), $46,193 (six-speed automatic)
Note: These prices do not
include dealer or government charges. Contact any BMW dealership
for driveaway prices.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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